A new report suggests although the U.S. does well in terms of adopting connected care technology, it may be lagging in healthcare integration.
The Royal Philips Future Health Index study investigates how countries around the world are positioned to meet the challenges of a constantly shifting healthcare industry. The report finds the U.S. recognizes the importance of health system integration, but notes that we're in the early stages.
"[A]lthough interest in connected care technology is high, the U.S. is not yet taking advantage of opportunities to realize the full benefits of these devices in powering integrated healthcare, signaling areas of improvement and opportunities for radical change in the American healthcare system," a statement from Royal Philips reads.
The Future Health Index for 2016 ranks the U.S. 6th of out 13 in "perceived readiness…to realize the benefits of integration and connected care," behind the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, China, Australia and Singapore. The score is based on a number of metrics, including measurements of access to care, integration and tech adoption. The results are based on phone surveys from more than 2,600 healthcare professionals and 25,000 patients.
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